Jaro Cathedral (National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles) | Iloilo City

Jaro Cathedral, formally the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles (Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria), is a Roman Catholic cathedral in the Jaro district of Iloilo City. It is the seat of the Archdiocese of Jaro and is architecturally unique for its detached belfry and predominantly male-dominated iconography.

Visual Characteristics

The cathedral features a mix of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. It is constructed from limestone and coral rock. The facade includes a grand staircase leading to an external balcony where the image of Our Lady of the Candles is enshrined. Unlike most Philippine churches where the bell tower is attached to the main structure, the Jaro belfry stands across the street in the Jaro Plaza.

Location & Access Logistics

The cathedral is located at Jaro Plaza, Jaro District, Iloilo City.

Access: Situated at a major intersection in one of Iloilo's most historic districts.

Transport: Reachable via "Jaro CPU" or "Jaro Liko" jeepneys from the city center. Taxis and tricycles are widely available.

Operating Hours: Daily 05:00–20:00.

Fees: Entry is free.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The current structure was completed in 1874 under the direction of the first Bishop of Jaro, Mariano Cuartero. It was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1948 (the Lady Caycay earthquake) and subsequently restored in 1956. In 2012, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) declared it a National Shrine.

Key Highlights & Activities

The Lady of the Candles: The only Marian image in the Philippines personally crowned by a Pope (John Paul II in 1981). It is local lore that the stone statue is miraculously growing.

All-Male Saints: The interior columns feature two rows of statues consisting entirely of male saints, contrasting with the Molo Church in the same city, which features only female saints.

Detached Belfry: A three-story brick structure located across the street; it originally served as a watchtower against invaders.

Stairway to the Shrine: Visitors can climb the external stairs to reach the glass-encased image of the Virgin Mary.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Facilities: Includes a parish office, adoration chapel, and restrooms.

Connectivity: 4G and 5G signals are very strong.

Accessibility: The main floor of the cathedral is wheelchair accessible, but the climb to the external shrine is via stairs only.

Best Time to Visit

The feast day of Our Lady of the Candles on February 2 is the busiest and most significant time to visit. For casual visits, late afternoon provides good lighting for the facade and allows for a walk through the adjacent Jaro Plaza.

Facts & Legends

A logistical fact is that Jaro Cathedral was the first cathedral in the Panay region. Legend says that the image of the Lady of the Candles was found by fishermen in the Iloilo River in 1587 and was originally too heavy to move until the discoverers agreed to bring it to Jaro.

Nearby Landmarks

Jaro Belfry – Directly across the street

Casa Mariquit – 0.3km East

Nelly Garden – 0.8km Northwest

Molo Church – 4.5km Southwest